Electrical switch



June 23, 1931. A. P. BALL 1,811,253

ELECTRICAL SWITCH Original Filed July 19, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jig/J:

June 23, 1931. ,A. PJBALL 3 ELECTRICAL SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed July 19, 1920 ll 59 42' WIN @mg flw PMFSM W Patented June 23, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

JALBERT P. BALL, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO SQUARE 1) COMPANY, 015 I DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORIORAT'ION OF MICHIGAN ELECTRICAL sw'rron Originalapplication filed July 19, 1920,

My invention relates to electrical switches, and more particularly to switches embodying means for insuring a quick opening and closing of the circuit or circuits with which the switch is associated, this application being a division of my copending application, Serial No. 397,261, filed July 19, 1920.

The primary object of my invention is to soembody the above means in a switch that a minimum number of parts will be employed but, at the same time, an efiicient. and pgsitively acting switch unit will be availa le.

In this connection I provide means whereby the quick make and break features are so organized that, when the movable contacts move in either direction, there is initially imparted thereto a positive actuation and thereafter the movement is accelerated to a fully closed or opened position of said contacts.

My invention may be applied to switches of any capacity. While many switching units which employ some sort or other of snap opening and closing feature have heretofore been suggested, the fact remains that the majority of them are not susceptible to chan e whereby the principles utilized can dapted to quick made and break features of largecapacity switches. This limitation is probably due to the manner in which the switch elements operate and the necessary lightness of some of the resilient members which are employed therein. However, the principle which is utilized in the switch which I hereinafter describe is susceptible of adaptation to any size-of unit and can be expanded to any desired degree to provide for the necessary heavy-weight moving contacting parts which are used when the amperage capacity of the switch becomes. high.

Other objects of my invention as Well as advantages resultant therefrom will be better understood from the hereinafter description of my invention taken with the accompanying drawings, in which;

, Figure 1 is a plan view of an enclosed switch wherein my invention is utilized;

Fig. 2 is an elevationallsectional view Serial No. 397,261. Divided and this application filed December 22,

1928. Serial No. 327,939.

taken on the line 2-'2 of Fig. 1, the movable contacts in this figure being in closed position; p I

Fig. 3 is an elevational sectional view analogous to that of Fig. 2, the movable switch blades being in open position in this figure;

Fig. 4 is a perspectlve view of one of the operating elements embodied in my novel switch; and,

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative form of quick make and break mechanism.

cover 11, while within. the enclosing caslng '10 are mounted contact blocks 12-12; it bemg noted that these blocks are held in casing 10 is provided with a hinged positionin the box by anapert ured plate 13 which fits down over shoulders 14 formed on said blocks. By utilizing this novel form of contact securing device, a unit base structure is formed wherein the contact mounting blocks are held in position without the necessity of their being individually secured to the back of the casing 10.

I have more fully described the advantages of this particular unit base construction and specifically claimed the same in my copending application Serial, No. 397,261, filed July 19, 1920 for unit base construction, the same being assigned to the Square D Company.

Mounted on the blocks 12 are a plurality of conducting members 15, 16 and 17. The. members 15 have Wire connectors 18 at one end thereof, while at the other end blade receiving clips 19 are mounted. The members 16 have associated therewith posts 20,

on which are pivotally mounted movable switch blades 21, while at the other end of member 16 are fuse receiving clips 22; it being observed that cooperating fuse-receiving clips 23 are associated with the members 17. Wire connectors 24 are positioned at the lower ends of conducting members 17 Extending across the --movable switch blades 21, is a cross head 25, the same being attached to the blades through a strap construction 26. A tubular insulating member 27 surrounds the cross head and insulates it from the blades 21.

A standard or post 28 is mounted on the be noted that this arm back of the casing or box and an operatin arm 29 extends between the standard and the side wall of the casing, being journalled in both the standard and the wall. It will is right angled, and that the outer portion 30 thereof is in the form of a handle. Keyed to the inner end of the arm 29 is a finger 31 which is of course moved in unison with the handle 30. Abail shaped member 32 is pivotally mounted at one end 33 inthe left hand side wall 'of the casing, 'and the other end 34 is loosely journalled around the arm 29 between the standard 28 and the righthand side wall of the casing. i

I employ a novel form of link 35 to con-' nect the bail member 32 and the cross'head the cross head passes.

25. It will be observed that this link comprises two leaves, 36 and 37. At the bottom of these leaves a hole is left through which Their upper ends, however, are provided with reentrant portions 38, it being noticed that these reentrant portions are in opposite directions. In order, therefore, to assemble the device, after thecross head has been-passed through the holes in the lower portions of the two associated leaves of the link, it is only necessary to swing them apart and place the bail portion 32 in one reentrant portion, and then to swing the leaves-together so that they are superposed with a pin passing through the tofp thereof. It will be noted that a hole is ormed in the upper portion of the link, the bail portion 32 being positioned in this hole. This is a particularly advantageous device for utilization in. a switch of this character since it permits of the assembling of all of the moving parts and thereafter joining of the bail portion to the cross head. i

A member 39 is pivotally j ournalled about the arm 29 by means of a collar 40 which surrounds said arm and positions the member 39 between the short side of the bailshaped member and the side wall of the casing. This member is provided with lugs 41 and 42 which extend at right angles to the member, and contact, when said member is moved, against the short arm of the bail member. Furthermore, these lugs are of such length that they lie in the path of movement of the finger 31.

A right angled lug 43 is pivotally mounted on the member 39. in each of its angularly disposed, sides. Through these holes passes one L-sha'ped end of a rod 44, said rod being secured at the inner side of-themember 39 by a in, whereby the lug 43 is, as before descri ed, pivotally associated with the member 39.

The other end of the rod 44 passes through to the angular lug 45, which is mounted on the right hand wall of the casing 10. Journalled about the rod 44, and limited and has a hole formed at its ends between the lugs 43 and 45, 1s a spring 46.

post 28 limits the movement of the handle by contacting with the finger 31.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the operation of my improved switch will be described.

' In Fig. 3, when the handle 30 is moved to the rlght, the finger 31 will engage the lug 41 and at substantially the same time the lug 42 will engage the side of the short side arm of the ball' portion thereby initiat-' mg a positive closing movement of the switch. Within a very short time after this closing movement has been started the continued movement of the handle to the right will, byreason of the finger 31 pressing against the lug 41, force the center point of the spring and plate toggle downwardly past its dead center position. Thereupon the spring 46, which has been compressed during the first portion of the switch closing movement of the handle, will return to its normal extended position and very rapidly accelerate the blades 21-21 to their full closing position. the member 39 can ride around the stationaryihandle during said acceleration.

eferring now to Fig. 2, the manner in which the switch elements function during A stop 47 on the standard or lug 42 and 7 moves the plate member 39 upwardly, the

spring 46 being compressed during this movement. Just prior to the time when the center point of the spring and the plate toggle reaches its dead center, the lug 41 engages the side arm of the bail portion and initiates a ositive opening movement of the blades. owever, just before the blades leave the contacts and before there has been any opportunity for the drawing of 'an-arc, the'toggle formed by the rod and the blade passes its dead center, Whereu 46 functions to accelerate rapidly the move ment of the bail portion and the associated switch blades to the open position of the latter.

From the foregoing description, it will be observed that a most efiicient quick make and break is provided. The elements are so organized and disposed, relative to each other, that the mechanism may be applied to switches of substantially any capacity, because the parts are rugged in character and. moreover, because these" parts move through a very simple cycle and are not so complion the spring cated as to afford opportunity for breakage.

to be particularly noted. Normally the bail ber 39 are substantially parallel to each other, the latter forking the tip of the finger by the lugs 41 and 42, so that a unitary arrangement results, the short arm 34 of the bail member being confined between the finger and the member 39. The relation as thus described is not essential to the essence of my invention, but I find that it has considerable practical utility and is advanta-, geously useful in electrical switches.

In Fig. 5, I have shown substantially the same construction of quick make and break mechanism as used on large capacity switches where the inertia of the moving parts is extremely high. In this construction, a rigid base 50 carries a vertical plate 51, rigidly secured thereto, which plate 51 serves as a journal for the inner end of rod 29, the side wall of the switch cabinet serving as a second point of support for this rod which terminates in an exterior operating handle. Loosely mounted upon the rod 29 is a member 52, preferably disposed between the side wall of the cabinet and the short end of the bail member 53, to which the switch is connected. Right angular lugs 54 and 55 on the member 52 are of such length as to lie in the path of movement of the bail member 53 and a finger 56 fixed to the rod 29.

A spring is provided on each side of this device so as to form a double spring toggle construction. At one side, a coil spring 57 surrounds a rod 58 pivoted at one end to the member 52, and at the other end the rod is guided in a bracket 60 secured to the cabinet wall. At the other side of the member 52, a spring 61 surrounds a rod 62. This rod 62 is likewise pivoted at one end to the member 52, and at the other end is loosely guided in 'a bracket 63 also secured to the cabinet wall. v

The operation of this mechanism is substantially the same as of the one previously described. During the initial movement, that is when the handle is first moved, the springs 57 and 61 are compressed. As soon as moved past their dead center position, the energy stored up in the springs will cause an accelerated movement of the switch, either to open or closed position. The added energy of the second spring functions to .increase the effort in back of the accelerating movement, and insures a quick and positive action of the switch. It is to be noted that when the switch handle is in its dotted line position, as shown in Fig. 5, the switch is in closed position. A lug 65 isstruck out from the vertical. plate 51 to serve as a stop for finger 56 and thereby to limit the movement thereof in a switch closing direction.

This lug 65 does not, however, serve as a stop for the member 52. Member 52 is loosely mounted upon the rod 29 and in its initial movement is moved by the bail member 53 engaging either of the right angular lugs 54.- or 55. After moving past dead center position, the springs will, of course,

accelerate the movement of the member 52- to effect a quick niake or break of the switch.

In view of the fact that this type of toggle construction is primarily designed for high capacity switches wherein the moving parts are heavy and require considerable force in back of the action thereof to obtain this quick make or break of the switch, this force must continue untilthe endof the movement of the switch in either direction. Especially is this so when the switch is closed,

.as the friction between the moving switch blades and contacts is considerable. Hence some form of stop should be provided for the member 52.

In the present disclosure, I have made proa vision for this stop in the form of shoulders 66 and 67 on the member 52, which are adapted to' engage the floor of the vertical plate 51 in order to check the movement of this member, in either direction, imparted by the accelerating action of the toggle mechanism.- The rigid base 50, therefore, sustains the blow resulting from suddenly stopping the member 52, while in motion, against theexpanding action of the toggle springs and prevents the straining of the switch or switch parts. The advantage of such an arrangement is that complete movement of the switch to its open or closed position is obtained before the accelerating force is checked.

While I have described but one embodiment of my invention wherein the novel form of operating mechanism is employed,

it, is obvious that many modifications therein may occur to those skilled in the art and I desire, there-fdre, that my invention be broadly interpreted, and be limited only by the showing of the prior art and by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a switch, stationary contacts, movable contacts, an arm carrying the latter, a member loosely associated with said arm, an operator having a finger thereupon, and lugs on said member adapted to engage said arm and to be engaged by said finger, said arm, said operator, and said member all having independent motion.

2. In a switch, stationary contacts, movable contacts, an arm carrying the latter, a member loosely associated with said arm, an operator having a finger thereupon, and lugs on said member adapted to engage said arm and to be engaged by said finger, said arm,

all having independent motion.

stationary contacts, mov- 3'. In a switch,

the latter, a

able contacts, an arm carryin member loosely associated with said arm,

an operator havin a finger thereupon, lugs on said member a apted to engage said arm either side of and to be engaged by said finger, and a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end carried by said member to either side of the dead-center point of the toggle formed by said member and said spring whereby said movable contacts are accelerated to 0 on and closed position.

4. In a switc stationary contacts, movable contacts, an arm carrying the latter, a member loosely associated with said arm, an operator having a finger thereupon, lugs on said member adapted to engage said arm and to be engaged by said finger, and a spring having one end substantially fixed and the other end carried by said member to toggle formed by said member and said spring whereby said movable contacts are accelerated to open and closed position, said instrumentaiities being so disposed that said finger first engages one lug to move said member and to stress said spring, then the other lug enga es said arm to initiate the movement of t e latter, and finally said spring returns to normal and thereby accelerates the movement of said movable contacts.

5. In a switch, an

enclosing casing, stationary contacts,

movable contacts, an arm vcarrying the latter, a plate pivotally mounted for oscillatory movement, an operator journalled in one wall of said casing, lugs projecting from said plate into the path of movement of said arm, means movable with said operator and adapted to engage said lugs to turn said plate about its-pivotal point, and a spring attached to. said plate to accelerate the movement thereof.

, 6. Ina switch, an enclosing casing, stationary contacts mounted therein, movable contacts, a bail shaped member for moving said latter contacts, an operator journalled at two points, an engaging finger carried by said operator, said bail member being mounted at one end in one wall of said casing and having its other a portion of said operator, and a pivotall mounted plate member having lugs whic are adapted to be engaged by said finger and to engage said bail member, both engagements being capable of lost motion.

7 In a switch, an enclosing box or casing,

' stationary contacts mounted therein, movsaid able contacts, a post in said box, an operator journalled between a wall of said box and said post, a bail shaped member attached to movable contacts having one end jourthe dead-center point of the end j ournalledabout -arm, a pair 0 nalled in a wall of said box and the other end 'ournalled about said operator, a finger rigi ly mounted on said operator, a plate member journalled about said operator and having lugs thereon engageable by said finer, said lugs also engaging said bail memer to move the latter and close said movable contacts, and a spring attached to said plate nliember and moving therewith to form a to e.

8. n a mechanism of the class described, the combination with a switch arm havin two positions and adapted to move to an leave one position b a sudden or quick movement thereof, 0 an operator having a lost motion connection therewith, said lost motion connection including a pair of sub stantially parallel members carried by said operator andthaving independent movement,

relative to each other.

' 9. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with a switch' arm having two positions and adapted to move to an leave one position by a sudden or quick movement thereof, of an operator having a lost motion connection therewith, said connection including a pair of members carried by said operator, one of said members having independent movement relative to said operator and the other member being fixed to said operator.

10. In a mechanism of the combination with a switch arm havin two positions and bein actuated first by a positlve movement and then by a sudden acceleration, of an operator loosely connected to said arm until moved to actuate the arm, and a pair of members for connecting said operator with said arm, said members normally having independent. movement relative to each other but moving in unison to form said connection.

11. In amechanism of the class described, the combination with a switch arm having two positions and being actuated first.v by a positive movement and celeration, of an operator loosely connected to said arm until moved to actuate the same, two members lyingbetween said arm and said operator, said members adapted to engage each other for movement during a certain predetermined range of movement of said operator, but adapted for independent movement relatively to' each other at other times. y

12, In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with an arm having'two positions and being actuated first by a positive movement and then by a sudden acceleration, of an o erator adapted to move said connecting members between said arm and said operator, said members normally having independent movement relative to each other, and engaging surfaces its forced to move in unison to actuate said arm when said operator 1s moved.

' 13. In a mechanism of the class described,

the combination with an arm having two positions and being actuated first by a positive movement and then by a sudden acceleration, of an operator adapted to move said arm, a pair of connecting members hetween said arm and said operator, one of said members provided with projections lying in the path of the other member and engageable thereby to move the same, and said members being adapted for independent movement at other. times.

14. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm and said handle normally being loosely connected but forming a continuation of each other, and a pair of movable members adjacent the point of connection, said members serving to transmit the motion of said handle to said switch arm during predetermined intervals in the movement of the handle, and said members beingx adapted for independent movement at ot er times. i

15. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm and said handle normally being loosely connected but forming a continuation of each other, a pair of movable members adjacent the point of connection, said members serving to transmit the motion of said handle to said switch arm during predetermined intervals in the movement of the handle, and said members being adapted for independent movement at other times, and a spring element for forming a toggle with one of said members to accelerate the movement of said switch arm when the toggle moves past its dead center position.

16. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm being journalled at one end to said handle, a air of members on said handle at'opposite sides of said j ournal, one of said members moving the other member to actuate said switch arm, said one memberbeing operated by said handle.

17. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm being journalled at one end to said handle, a pair of members on said handle at opposite sides of said journal, one of said members moving the other member to actuate said switch arm, said one member being operated by said handle, said other member forming part of a toggle for imparting accelerated movement to said switch arm.

18. In combination, a switch arm, an operatinghandle, said arm being journalled at one end to said handle, a pair of members for operatively connecting said arm with said handle, said members being parallel and disposed on said operating handle.

19. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm being journalled -said handle, one of said members having the positive movement of said arm and exat one end to said handle, a pair of members for operatively connecting said arm with engaging surfaces forking the other member, said other member operated by said handle to engage either surface according to the direction of movement thereof.

20. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm being journalled at one end to said handle, a pairof members for operatively connecting said arm with said handle, one of said members having engaging surfaces forking the other member, said other member operated by saidhandle to engage either surface according to the direction of movement thereof, and the portion of said arm adjacent to said journal lying within said fork.

21. In combination, a switch arm having an open and a closed position, an operating handle, said arm and said handle meeting in a loose connection, a pair of members constituting part of said connec- 'tion butv arranged operatively to connect said arm with said handle whereby movement of the handle is imparted to the arm, and means for storing up energy upon initial movement ofsaid handle and thereafter with said energy accelerating the movement of the handle.

22. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, said arm being journalled at one end to said handle, a pair of members on said handle at opposite sides of said journal, one of said members moving the other member to actuate said switch arm, said one member being operated by said handle, said other member forming part of a toggle for imparting accelerated movement to said switch arm, said toggle including a pair of springs on opposite sides'of said othermember.

-23. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination with an arm having two positions and beingactuated first by a posi- 1 tive movement and then by a sudden acceleration, of an operator adapted to move said arm, a pair of connecting members between said arm and said operator, one of said members provided with projections lying in 115 the path of the other member and engageable thereby to move the same, and a pair of springs cooperating with one of said members, saidsprings storing up energy during pending the stored up energy to accelerate this movement upon reaching their dead center point.

24. In combination, a switch arm having an open and a'closed position, an operating 1 handle, said arm and said handle meeting in a loose connection, a pair of members constituting part of said connection-but arranged operatively to connect said arm with said handle whereby movement of the an open and a closed position,

handle is imparted to the arm, one of said members having pivotally connected rods at opposite sides thereof, springs for encircling said rods, and means throu h which the opposite ends of said rods free said means serving to compress said springs as the rods are swung toward their dead center position whereby upon passing dead center position said sprmgs functlon to accelerate the movement imparted to said arm b said handle 25. n combination, a switch arm having an operating handle, said arm and said handle meeting in a looseconnection, members constituting part of said connection but arranged opera tively to connect said arm with said handle whereby movement of the handle is imparted to the arm, springs on o posite sides of one of said members, rods or carrying said springs, said rods being connected to said one member, means for guiding the free ends of said rods, said means being so disposed as to align' the dead center position of said springs and rods with the pivotal center of said switch arm and operating handle.

26. In combination, a switch arm, an operating handle, a loosely mounted plate between said arm and said handle and initially moved by a positive engagement by said handle, spring means for accelerating said initial. movement and continuing the movement of said plate whereupon it will enga e and move said switch arm either to switc closing or switch opening position, and stop means for thereafter checking the accelerated movement of said plate. 1

27. In combination, a switch arm, an operatin handle having a lost motion connection t erewith, a rigidly mounted member having an engageable surface thereon, a plate loosely mounted upon said handle adapted to be initially moved thereby, means for accelerating said initial movement until said plate has engaged and moved said switch arm to its opposite position, means for thereafter checking the movement of said plate, said means comprisin a pair of shoulders on said plate adapte to contact with said en agea e surface.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name. ALBERT P. BALL.

y move, V 

